No growth at WHTT? Really? How could that be with the stellar alterations in the staff over the last few years?
Obviously, the current mid-day VT ain't getting the job done in what's arguably the most important daypart for AC stations. Who'd have thunk that Market #94 might not provide a capable replacement for a guy like Jim Pastrick, who's never been accused of mailing it in on the air?
Mornings are weaker than they were, most likely because Lacy needs a stable - and listenable - partner. Citadel seems determined to go after 35-44 females, and to do it as cheaply as possible. I could see more syndication - perhaps even the morning show - and skewing even younger. You know that Citadel has syndicated formats set up and ready to run, don't you?
There's no money for a major format shift, or cowboy hats might be in play. The smart move might be to go classic hits and take advantage of the good will that WHTT built up for years as an Oldies station, but corporate doesn't appear to want 35-64 numbers, no matter how good they are.
Right now, Citadel has much bigger fish to fry, so they may do nothing in the short term. If they're going to make a move, I'd expect the Fall to be the time. They could at least get Lacy a decent news reader in the morning if they're serious about improving the current product.
